Moran takes second shot at gun control legislation

U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) has reintroduced firearm legislation he believes gun owners will support in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., school shooting.

The bill, called the “NRA Members Gun Safety Act,” would require gun owners to alert police if their firearms are stolen or lost, establish minimum standards for concealed carry permits and require background checks for buyers and gun shop employees.

The legislation also would bar individuals on the government’s terrorist watch list from buying firearms.

About 63 percent of NRA members support the gun control measures, according to congressman’s office’s polling data, hence the bill’s name. Moran took aim at the national organization as he announced plans to reintroduce the legislation.

“The NRA is working to block gun safety reforms, regardless of merit, and despite the schism between the group and their membership,” Moran said in a statement. “In the wake of the most recent tragedy, enough is enough. It’s time to take steps to better protect the public in ways that do not infringe on the Second Amendment.”

Moran’s bill was originally introduced as the 112th Congress concluded and was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

“As the first bill I introduced this Congress, H.R. 21 represents one of my top priorities – taking commonsense steps to prevent future gun-related deaths,” the congressman said.

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